boxter 2.5 vs 911sc

[Lowlander]

Hello there,

After years of wanting a classic 911 I will finally be in a position to afford one when I get back from Dubai later this year. I was looking for a good post 1981 SC coupe. However, I have noticed that the values of early 2.5 Boxters are coming down. A good early 911SC will probably cost around 11K. A good high mileage boxter will cost around 14K (private sale)

Bearing in mind that I will be using this car as everyday transport I am tempted by the greater refinement offered by the boxter over the 911SC.

At this stage I need to do a lot more research before I commit to buy anything however I do have a few questions.

1. Do boxters need top end engine rebuilds in the same way that a 911 SC will at around 80-90K miles?

2. What insurance group is the 2.5 boxter?

3. What is real world fuel economy?

4. What are the weak points of the car? I had heard the early boxters didn't have a great reputation for reliability.

5. Waht are the service intervals and associated costs at a porche specialist?

Basically it comes down to spending what is a considerable amount of money of a 8 or 9 year old car to be used as everyday transport. Am I being realistic. I don't mind reasonable money for servicing if I get reliability and enjoyment from the car in return. What I don't want (and can't afford) is to be saddled with huge bills for engines, gearboxes and exhuast systems destroying themselves. Obviously I would have to pay around 25-30% more for a boxter than for a good SC. I'm just not sure its worth paying the extra.

Any advice, opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

All the best.

Martin.

 

[Laurence Gibbs]

ok here goes I will try my best.
Ans 1,
All engines wear. The requirement for a rebuilt top end is generally brought abought by a number of factors but mainly, valve guide wear, piston ring wear, and oil leaks mainly from time aged rubber and other materials gaskets. Most engines will show some symptoms at an average of 80k miles some earlier some later. There is nothing to suggest that the valve guides on the boxster engine are of any significantly better design but overall the boxster engine is a newer design and should suffer less from the above.
Ans 2. group 17-18 I think
Ans 3 somewhere around 25-30 mpg if being frugal far less if not.
Ans 4. Rear Main Seal failure (a whole subject on it's own) intermediate shaft failure and oil leaks around both. Brake discs have the abilty to rust before they wear out. Clutch life in manual car can be quite low. Rear plastic window easily scratched and eventually splits. Those are the main ones that come to mind.
Ans 5. Ring around and get some quotes. Has newer type low maintenance like most modern cars. Regular oil and filter change. Then major service at about 40k miles. Is more diy able than most think.

As an every day car I would have to say you are better of with the boxster. It has the benifit of a proper heater, abs and fool proof (almost) handling. Low mileage 30-40k miles early cars can be had at 13-15k and possibly lower if you want to go for a lowish spec . The SC can of course be used everyday but you would have to live with the comprimises that it gives.Though imho it would give the more rewarding drive on the right day. Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

Hi guys,
This is my first post here so please be gentle...

I'm in a similar stuation except I'm looking at a 2.7 Boxster on an 02 plate - from looking around I definately prefer the Boxster - especially for the comfort factor, as it will be used daily

My only real concern is the depreciation of a Boxster. W
Would the value of the car shoot down with the new Porsche being released later this year?

 

[oliver]

I've had both, albeit many years ago.

I'd stretch to a 3.2 Carrera (ideally G50) over an SC.

Or I'd try and stretch to a 2.7 Boxster over a 2.5.

For day to day use - Boxster rather than SC.

Boxster may depreciate a bit more, but depends how well you buy.